USS Cole Command Master Chief Relieved

NORFOLK (NNS) -- USS Cole's (DDG 67) Command Master Chief, Larry Dean, was relieved of his duties Jan. 16, as a result of an unduly familiar relationship with a junior enlisted Sailor aboard COLE. Following an official command investigation, Cole's commanding officer, Cmdr. Dennis Farrell, found Dean guilty at non-judicial punishment proceedings and relieved him of his duties as the senior enlisted leader on the ship.

Dean has been temporarily assigned to Commander, Naval Surface Forces Atlantic. A new Command Master Chief has yet to be determined.